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Robert Thorwaldsen

Robert Thorwaldsen, 88, of Detroit Lakes, died Sunday, September 27, 2009 at Lincoln Park Assisted Living in Detroit Lakes.

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Robert was born to Alf and Jenny Thorwaldsen on March 10, 1921 in Duluth, Minn., where he grew up and attended school, graduating from Denfeld High School in 1940. He entered the United States Army in 1942 and completed his basic training at Fort Warren, Wyo. He was then assigned to the 6th Ordinance Company, stationed in Berkeley, Calif.

On Feb. 22, 1943 Robert married Charlotte VanDuyn in Duluth. In February 1944, he shipped to England, where his company was attached to the 30th Infantry Division. He landed on Normandy Beach and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged in November 1944, earning 5 Bronze Stars.

Following his discharge, Robert attended Duluth Community College. He then began a 23-year career in the tire industry, many of those years with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. In 1960, he and Charlotte moved to Moorhead, where Robert worked as a building services manager for Moorhead State University until his retirement in 1989.

Robert was a member of the John Bridges American Legion Post 15 in Detroit Lakes.

Survivors include one son, Paul (Cindy) Thorwaldsen of Detroit Lakes; two daughters, Wendy (Thomas) Willett of Bloomington, Minn., and Janice (Robert) Beeson, of Burnsville, Minn.; as well as five grandchildren.

Preceding Robert in death were his parents and his wife, Charlotte (Nov. 3, 1990).

Private family graveside services will be held later in October at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Detroit Lakes.

West-Kjos Funeral Home of Detroit Lakes has been entrusted with the services. Those wanting to share memories and condolences are invited to use the funeral home's online messages of sympathy section at www.westkjos.com.